PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has appointed another retired official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Malacañang announced on Monday.
Mr. Duterte appointed retired major general and former deputy chief of staff for AFP civil military operations Rene Glen O. Paje to the DSWD, according to documents released by the Palace. The President signed Mr. Paje’s appointment on Feb, 15.
Mr. Paje is the third ex-military official appointed by the President to the DSWD, joining retired AFP commanding general Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, who serves as Secretary, and retired brigadier general Felicisimo C. Budiongan as Undersecretary.
The Palace in November last year announced that Mr. Duterte had terminated three undersecretaries of the DSWD, Mae Fe A. Templa, Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, and Hope V. Hervilla, to give Mr. Bautista a free hand to “bring his own team to provide better services to the public.”
Also appointed by Mr. Duterte on Feb. 15 are Rogelio L. Valesco, Jr. as Member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Zamboanga City, and Florence B. Almadrigo and Adelma D. Mauleon as Directors II of the Bureau of the Treasury, Department of Finance.
Mr. Duterte has repeatedly defended in his speeches his appointment of former military officials to various offices under his administration, saying they are “are honest and competent.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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